Jack Huie is one of the 2023 recipients of the LVRR Scholarship.
LVRR: What college will you attend and what is your intended major of study? Do you plan to run while attending college?
JH: I will be attending Arizona State University and I will be majoring in Actuarial Science. I do plan on running in college, although not with the school’s team.
LVRR: What age did you start running and why?
JH: I started running in seventh grade with the cross country team. My parents were both runners so I wanted to run as well.
LVRR: What is your greatest accomplishment in your running career?
JH: The greatest accomplishment in my running career is running at states during my first year with the cross country team.
LVRR: Describe an experience where you had to “sink or swim.” What did you learn from it?
JH: Before the district cross country meet my senior year I was sick and unable to run for several days leading up to the meet. I planned on sinking and pacing with a slower member of my team, as I was unaware of what level my fitness was at. At mile two I decided to go for it, as I felt surprisingly good. While I placed second on my team, it wasn’t enough and I missed qualifying for states by a few places. I learned that if you plan to sink, you will, and there is no overcoming that. I learned how mentality can be the difference between success and failure.
LVRR: Who has been your most influential role model and why?
JH: I believe that my most influential role model has been Adam Syty, my first cross-country coach. He was an incredibly influential role model in my life, as he inspired me to not only run cross country but play soccer as well. As the first XC coach I had in high school, he provided advice, skilled coaching, and a positive experience with the sport. I believe if he wasn’t the coach I wouldn’t have done both soccer and xc for my Jr and sr years, and I wouldn’t enjoy running as much as I do.
LVRR: What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
JH: While I first ran track during my sophomore year of high school, I didn’t run for the cross country team until my junior year. My cross country coach this year was surprised to learn this was only my second year running XC in high school.
LVRR: What events did you run in high school?
JH: I ran the 400, 800, and 1600. I also ran in the 4×4 and 4×8.
LVRR: What is your favorite event to watch that you don’t do yourself and why?
JH: I enjoy watching the pole vault, partially because I admire the skill that the event requires and partially because my brother competes in this event.
LVRR: What cross-training do you incorporate into your running routine, if any? Do you focus more on cross-training in the off-season (if there is an off-season for you!), or do you tend to cross-train throughout the entire training cycle?
JH: I tend to cross-train throughout the entire training cycle for all the sports I do. In both cross country and track, I would swim two or three times a week for extra aerobic work to take some stress off of my legs. During the winter, I swim for the swim team full-time and run two or three times a week just to maintain fitness.
LVRR: What injuries are you susceptible to?
JH: I am susceptible to knee injuries, as I had patellar tendonitis in both knees during cross country and had recurring pains during winter and outdoor track. This injury, however, was due in large part to playing soccer while I was also running XC.
LVRR: If you ever feel unmotivated to get out the door during PA’s cold winter months, what tips or tricks do you use to push yourself? Also, do you brave the poor weather conditions or stick indoors/on the treadmill?
JH: In order to run in the winter I just need to get out the door. Once I am outside I can run like normal, but I tend to start psyching myself out mentally before I start. I never run on a treadmill if I can help it, as I find treadmill running boring.
LVRR: What are three activities you enjoy doing apart from running?
JH: I enjoy playing soccer, fishing, and lifting.
